National Express to keep running the c2c rail line linking Shoebury with London Fenchurch Street

NATIONAL Express is to keep running the c2c rail line linking south Essex with London, it has been announced.

Ministers revealed the company would continue to run the Fenchurch Street line, now called the Essex Thameside Franchise,.

National Express will continue to run the service from 9 November 2014 until 2029.

The company says under its stewardship, c2c has radically improved from the ‘Misery Line’ into the most punctual train operator in the UK.

In the new 15 year franchise c2c will be transformed again, with new trains, extra services and a ground-breaking Personal Performance Promise at the heart of a Passenger Charter that will put it at the forefront of international standards of customer service.

Dean Finch, National Express Group Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we will continue to serve the people of East London and South Essex for another 15 years. National Express is very proud of our record on c2c, transforming it from the ‘Misery Line’ into consistently the best performing railway in the country.

“We have listened to our customers and local stakeholders and we have challenged ourselves to be at the forefront of innovation. We have identified where to invest to enable c2c to be truly tailored to meet customers’ needs and to pioneer new levels of service not seen in UK rail.

“We believe our ambitious plans will transform the franchise again. We will introduce more services, new trains and a ground-breaking Personal Performance Promise. Our ambition is for c2c to stay at the forefront of reliability and punctuality but also set new standards for customer service. Today’s announcement is good news for passengers, taxpayers and shareholders alike.”

Rail Minister Stephen Hammond said: "This deal is all about putting passengers at the heart of our railways. Brand new trains, thousands more seats and millions of pounds invested in stations will mean significantly improved journeys for those passengers who use these services every day.

"It's further proof that our long-term economic plan is on track, with the taxpayer getting more than £2 billion out of this deal."

He went on: "The rigorous new processes we have put in place means passengers can have every confidence we have got the right bid for the franchise. The operator is ready to deliver and build on the high standards that customers have rightly come to expect from these vital services."

Shame, an opportunity missed I think. LTS Rail built this service then National Express cherry picked it, and in the process we lost a lot of improvements to the services that LTS were going to make. They can spruce up the stations all they want but its the service that needs improving.

Shame, an opportunity missed I think. LTS Rail built this service then National Express cherry picked it, and in the process we lost a lot of improvements to the services that LTS were going to make. They can spruce up the stations all they want but its the service that needs improving.wobblybob

munx wrote:
Only be any good when they stop their dreadful station announcements at Thorpe Bay station blaring into everyone's homes!

you move next to a train station..then moan about the noise

[quote][p][bold]munx[/bold] wrote:
Only be any good when they stop their dreadful station announcements at Thorpe Bay station blaring into everyone's homes![/p][/quote]you move next to a train station..then moan about the noisewhateverhappened

They used to, and didn't do too much of a better job than the clowns that are currently running the franchise. They had the franchise removed from them because of their severe failings running of the East Coast Mainline, which is currently under public ownership.

That said, if they are currently doing a good job on the Thames Side franchise then this seems to be a sensible decision.

However, the railways in the UK should be operated under a majority public owned company.

[quote][p][bold]Thames Gateway[/bold] wrote:
Good news.
Can they do the Victoria to Liverpool Street line as well please?[/p][/quote]They used to, and didn't do too much of a better job than the clowns that are currently running the franchise. They had the franchise removed from them because of their severe failings running of the East Coast Mainline, which is currently under public ownership.
That said, if they are currently doing a good job on the Thames Side franchise then this seems to be a sensible decision.
However, the railways in the UK should be operated under a majority public owned company.costa-del-blowfly

news4us wrote:
So over crowding, cramped seats, no luggage space and short rush hour trains are good features and mean no change and better profits. ,

Onward to more misery

have you ever travelled on the greater anglia line when it's eitehr quite cold or quite warm? that's misery

[quote][p][bold]news4us[/bold] wrote:
So over crowding, cramped seats, no luggage space and short rush hour trains are good features and mean no change and better profits. ,
Onward to more misery[/p][/quote]have you ever travelled on the greater anglia line when it's eitehr quite cold or quite warm? that's miseryddf35

It seems unbelievable now that at one time the Liverpool St. line was the better line and the Fenchurch St. line was the "misery" line. How things change! The Fenchurch St. line is great for commuters into the City and cheaper than the Liverpool St line too, although that's not saying much.

If only fares could be brought down substantially it would stop the London housing problems, people who work in London and share tiny flats or have to live with relatives in cramped accommodation would often prefer to buy their own place further out and enjoy a better quality of life, but the fares make it prohibitive.

[quote][p][bold]Thames Gateway[/bold] wrote:
Good news.
Can they do the Victoria to Liverpool Street line as well please?[/p][/quote]It seems unbelievable now that at one time the Liverpool St. line was the better line and the Fenchurch St. line was the "misery" line. How things change! The Fenchurch St. line is great for commuters into the City and cheaper than the Liverpool St line too, although that's not saying much.
If only fares could be brought down substantially it would stop the London housing problems, people who work in London and share tiny flats or have to live with relatives in cramped accommodation would often prefer to buy their own place further out and enjoy a better quality of life, but the fares make it prohibitive.heartbeat

Great news I think c2c is great I just wish we could have some faster trains again...years ago a fast train was only 39 mins to leigh...more non stopping trains too please benfleet only stop was great in the old days...much more reliable now though.

It would be great if there was more of a link up with the central line ie stop at mile end. Also a link up somehow wi y h the liverpool street line wld b good so we cld travel from benfleet to chelmsford etc.

Great news I think c2c is great I just wish we could have some faster trains again...years ago a fast train was only 39 mins to leigh...more non stopping trains too please benfleet only stop was great in the old days...much more reliable now though.
It would be great if there was more of a link up with the central line ie stop at mile end. Also a link up somehow wi y h the liverpool street line wld b good so we cld travel from benfleet to chelmsford etc.live in westcliff

Really good news for Basildon - if only they would provide the same service in Billericay. Basildon, which has around 150,000 fewer passengers per year than Billericay, gets 17 new trains and up to 25,000 extra rush hour seats. On the Billericay line, already running at/over capacity in the rush hour gets reduced numbers of seats as they take some out to increase the size of the toilets !

Really good news for Basildon - if only they would provide the same service in Billericay. Basildon, which has around 150,000 fewer passengers per year than Billericay, gets 17 new trains and up to 25,000 extra rush hour seats. On the Billericay line, already running at/over capacity in the rush hour gets reduced numbers of seats as they take some out to increase the size of the toilets !2020hindsight

munx wrote:
Only be any good when they stop their dreadful station announcements at Thorpe Bay station blaring into everyone's homes!

You people crack me up, you move near a 'Railway Station' and then moan about the noise. PMSL, get over it!

[quote][p][bold]munx[/bold] wrote:
Only be any good when they stop their dreadful station announcements at Thorpe Bay station blaring into everyone's homes![/p][/quote]You people crack me up, you move near a 'Railway Station' and then moan about the noise. PMSL, get over it!Thurrockbob

Nowthatsworthknowing wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...

Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock!

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...[/p][/quote]Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock!Thurrockbob

live in westcliff wrote:
Great news I think c2c is great I just wish we could have some faster trains again...years ago a fast train was only 39 mins to leigh...more non stopping trains too please benfleet only stop was great in the old days...much more reliable now though.

It would be great if there was more of a link up with the central line ie stop at mile end. Also a link up somehow wi y h the liverpool street line wld b good so we cld travel from benfleet to chelmsford etc.

Don't hold your breath - see from C2C's website:

During the high peaks, all London-bound trains (morning) and trains leaving London (evening) will call at the key interchange stations of Barking, West Ham and Limehouse. These stations will also benefit from a ‘metro service’ running between Upminster and Fenchurch Street at 3 minute intervals during these high peaks, enhancing service levels and expanding capacity on the most heavily-used section of the line.

I've been in touch and the plan is to remove ALL fast trains to Southend but they may consider changing this if enough people complain . Anyone who uses this line and lives in Southend please make your views clear to C2C as I have - leave at least one fast train from / to Benfleet in an hour at the minimum. Journey takes long enough as it is.

[quote][p][bold]live in westcliff[/bold] wrote:
Great news I think c2c is great I just wish we could have some faster trains again...years ago a fast train was only 39 mins to leigh...more non stopping trains too please benfleet only stop was great in the old days...much more reliable now though.
It would be great if there was more of a link up with the central line ie stop at mile end. Also a link up somehow wi y h the liverpool street line wld b good so we cld travel from benfleet to chelmsford etc.[/p][/quote]Don't hold your breath - see from C2C's website:
During the high peaks, all London-bound trains (morning) and trains leaving London (evening) will call at the key interchange stations of Barking, West Ham and Limehouse. These stations will also benefit from a ‘metro service’ running between Upminster and Fenchurch Street at 3 minute intervals during these high peaks, enhancing service levels and expanding capacity on the most heavily-used section of the line.
I've been in touch and the plan is to remove ALL fast trains to Southend but they may consider changing this if enough people complain . Anyone who uses this line and lives in Southend please make your views clear to C2C as I have - leave at least one fast train from / to Benfleet in an hour at the minimum. Journey takes long enough as it is.Westcliff rail user

Nowthatsworthknowing wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...

Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock!

Thurrock, conjures the mind to the cesspit of Essex, luckily my train is non stop from Benfleet to Fenchurch S.t. with the Fckwit content getting the on other line.

[quote][p][bold]Thurrockbob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...[/p][/quote]Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock![/p][/quote]Thurrock, conjures the mind to the cesspit of Essex, luckily my train is non stop from Benfleet to Fenchurch S.t. with the Fckwit content getting the on other line.Nowthatsworthknowing

Nowthatsworthknowing wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...

Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock!

Thurrock, conjures the mind to the cesspit of Essex, luckily my train is non stop from Benfleet to Fenchurch S.t. with the Fckwit content getting the on other line.

I would like to see you say that to my face you knob sucking tw@t, I would rip you a new a55hole. Now you have a nice day won't you! ;o)

[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Thurrockbob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...[/p][/quote]Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock![/p][/quote]Thurrock, conjures the mind to the cesspit of Essex, luckily my train is non stop from Benfleet to Fenchurch S.t. with the Fckwit content getting the on other line.[/p][/quote]I would like to see you say that to my face you knob sucking tw@t, I would rip you a new a55hole. Now you have a nice day won't you! ;o)Thurrockbob

Nowthatsworthknowing wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...

Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock!

Thurrock, conjures the mind to the cesspit of Essex, luckily my train is non stop from Benfleet to Fenchurch S.t. with the Fckwit content getting the on other line.

I would like to see you say that to my face you knob sucking tw@t, I would rip you a new a55hole. Now you have a nice day won't you! ;o)

You've made a right prat of your self here, seems old thatswortknowing IS telling the truth, about the cesspit of Essex, I take it your from Avenue de la Cess ?

[quote][p][bold]Thurrockbob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Thurrockbob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...[/p][/quote]Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock![/p][/quote]Thurrock, conjures the mind to the cesspit of Essex, luckily my train is non stop from Benfleet to Fenchurch S.t. with the Fckwit content getting the on other line.[/p][/quote]I would like to see you say that to my face you knob sucking tw@t, I would rip you a new a55hole. Now you have a nice day won't you! ;o)[/p][/quote]You've made a right prat of your self here, seems old thatswortknowing IS telling the truth, about the cesspit of Essex, I take it your from Avenue de la Cess ?sesibollox

Nowthatsworthknowing wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...

Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock!

Proper workers have brains, live in 5 bedroom detached houses, have nannies, a gardener, four holidays a year, and always a new car, you're jealous it's understandable, good luck in Tilbury.

[quote][p][bold]Thurrockbob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...[/p][/quote]Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock![/p][/quote]Proper workers have brains, live in 5 bedroom detached houses, have nannies, a gardener, four holidays a year, and always a new car, you're jealous it's understandable, good luck in Tilbury.CarnMountification

Nowthatsworthknowing wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...

Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock!

Thurrock, conjures the mind to the cesspit of Essex, luckily my train is non stop from Benfleet to Fenchurch S.t. with the Fckwit content getting the on other line.

I would like to see you say that to my face you knob sucking tw@t, I would rip you a new a55hole. Now you have a nice day won't you! ;o)

You've made a right prat of your self here, seems old thatswortknowing IS telling the truth, about the cesspit of Essex, I take it your from Avenue de la Cess ?

lol ...... you and CarnMountification are great keyboard warriors aren't you? Come to Thurrock and enjoy the carnage you would endure. ;o)

[quote][p][bold]sesibollox[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Thurrockbob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Thurrockbob[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Nowthatsworthknowing[/bold] wrote:
Only a shame they're not bringing back First Class carriages, which means my suits will still be in the vicinity of plaster and brick dust, from the labour force...[/p][/quote]Awwww diddums, mixing with 'proper' workers must be such a strain for you. Pillock![/p][/quote]Thurrock, conjures the mind to the cesspit of Essex, luckily my train is non stop from Benfleet to Fenchurch S.t. with the Fckwit content getting the on other line.[/p][/quote]I would like to see you say that to my face you knob sucking tw@t, I would rip you a new a55hole. Now you have a nice day won't you! ;o)[/p][/quote]You've made a right prat of your self here, seems old thatswortknowing IS telling the truth, about the cesspit of Essex, I take it your from Avenue de la Cess ?[/p][/quote]lol ...... you and CarnMountification are great keyboard warriors aren't you? Come to Thurrock and enjoy the carnage you would endure. ;o)Thurrockbob